The funds that have been donated will enable Mareeba Gardens Settlement to purchase specialised equipment and furnish the room to facilitate a homely setting appropriate for palliation.

Granite Masonic Lodge representative, Roy Blakeney, said this was an important first step for the region, where local palliative care support in general has been limited.

“Granite Lodge is very proud to have contributed to this project which will help to improve the quality of life of terminally ill nursing home residents at Mareeba Gardens,” Roy said.

Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer, Gary Mark, commended Granite Masonic Lodge for giving back to the community in this way.

“It’s evident that Granite Lodge has the best interests of its community at heart,” Gary said.

“Providing vital support for those nearing the end of life aligns with Hand Heart Pocket’s values which are about alleviating suffering. That’s why we were so keen to support this local initiative,” Gary said.